June represents the promised season of Summer, its lighter, longer days and dryer weather, ushers in for us a time of joy, laughter, and excitement!
At the time of writing it is the 21st day of the month, also known as the beginning of Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the start of summer in the northern half of the globe when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky occurs, taking longer for it to rise and to set. It is said to be the longest day of the year, and which this year fell on Sunday 20th June which was also Father’s Day. However, depending on the Sun the dates can fluctuate between, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. For example, Summer Solstice next year 2022 is set for Tuesday 21st June.
The 24th of June marks another significant date known as Mid-Summer, the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. From olden times this was celebrated with feasting, dancing, singing, and anticipation, especially by growers in preparations for their harvests and the hot summer days to come. The people of Sweden enjoy at least 15hours of daylight for several weeks. And, in Christendom, it is known as the Feast of Saint John the Baptist celebration of his birthday. John the Baptist foretold the birth of baby Jesus.
The word June has several meanings apart from a month on our Calander. It derives from the Latin word Junius and has roots connected with the Hebrew word Juniper and Junia meaning Daughter of God, and Juno after Roman goddess meaning Queen of Heaven.
Some of the many Awareness and Celebrations during June are; 12th World Day Against Child Labour, 17th World Blood Donor Day & World International Combat Desertification and Drought, 19th Sickle Cell Awareness Day, 20th Refugee Awareness Day, 21st Father’s day & World Music Day.
Whatever it means for you, may each, take the time to enjoy this radiant season and perhaps see it as the end beginning the next half of the year to exceed our best of the first half. May we make a time to happy our hearts, drink in the sunshine with appreciation and great gratitude, and brighten our minds with kinder happier thoughts, getting outdoors and enjoying as much of the wide-open spaces as we can.